The courtroom drama continues, and it has been difficult to watch because a) it sometimes feels a bit 'Crown Court', in the way that people act. Every sentence is a drama in itself. And b) because it's painful to watch innocents being accused.
Daniel has turned all Clark Kent, like his dad. Even his hair resembles Ken's, and as he gets more inquisitve, his hair flops like Hugh Grant's and Phelan gets more quietly angry. This won't end well.
Rita has reappeared and has declared that she is not going to hospital. Frightened and feeling vulnerable, Barbara Knox is on a roll. "I don't want to end up like the Zambezi, Norris!" cries Rita, as fans weep with her.
Nasty Nathan lies away in court, but also manipulates because he has facts about the Platt family. Clever and coniving, and on the verge of getting away with it. Or, is he?
Daniel visits Anna looking for dirt on Phelan. And suddenly this bookish Columbo feels as if he is on to something. I love this portrayal of journalism. In the Bistro waiting tables one minute, sleuth with a pen, the next. And who is this all for? The Weatherfield Gazette!
Nathan's facts about Bethany are stacking up. He portays himself as her saviour. Think of all the personal stuff the poor girl has told him, when she was at her most vulnerable. He blurts it all out. I can see why some long for more humour.
There are still elements of poignancy meets comedy, though. Cue Rita and Norris reminicing about how life might have been if they would have met earlier. This wonderful scene makes you smile and breaks your heart.
The crowdfunding factory story is so slim, it is probably not worth the words here. But, it just does not feel like a strong story arc to me.
Cut back to court, Nathan is cross examined and gets grilled. He is presented with facts this time and begins to squirm. Shona smiles, as Nathan is on the ropes and now looks like a deer in the headlights.
Journo boy visits Todd next. He moves fast, this one and no- one mentions how quickly Daniel seems to have taken to this role. Yes, he has a degree but this type of work needs training. But hold on, in true panto style, Phelan steps out from behind the scenes, once Daniel has left. Todd.is covering his step father's tracks.
Seb and Anna have bonded big time, Anna wants to save him and spare him from the types of things that Faye has seen. I like this storyline, as it beats watching Anna shout at Phelan for the 50th time, or forget about her legs.
Rita is persuaded by Norris to go and have the op. Jenny, Norris and Gemma back her. And it moves you all over again. This brilliant sub plot is keeping me coming back for more..
Back in the courtroom, the verdicts are in. Nathan is guilty of rape, guilty of conspiracy to commit rape. Neil Clifton is guilty, as are Ian and Christopher.
At last, these characters can try to move on and it's important for victims to see that these crimes are punished. Many will feel that this is too dark and has gone on too long. But, it is an important topic and it has been handled sensitively.
I do long though for some comedic moments featuring Mary, Norris and others. And I really miss Roy's words of wisdom. Bring him back, please!
Glenn Meads
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11 comments:
I couldn't watch the courtroom scenes, just wanted to throw something at the telly when Nathan's smarmy mug was on screen. Very happy they were all found guilty, now let that be an end to it.
Also getting heartily sick of Phelan ..... the sooner he's gone, the better. And please take his stupid wife with him.
The scene with his barrister set up the idea that he was going to convict himself on the stand. Were we supposed to think that it might have had a different ending had he not testified? I liked that it was not a loss of control and admission because I always find those ridiculous.
You'd think with how terrible Anna's burns were she would need extensive physio and perhaps more operations because of scarring? She motored pretty fast out of Sebs house and bustles around the cafe. I guess she's good. Like with Sinead's back, Chesney's stab wound, etc. I hope my hospital is that miraculous
The barrister I think was worried that he would make it worse for himself - which he did - especially as he had been obviously enjoying it when Craig had messed up his testimony. I very much enjoyed it when the prosecution barrister put to him the evidence about the phone messages and money.
Chris Harper played this role brilliantly and I hope we get to see him playing a nicer character soon!
Of course the phone messages and ATM withdrawals clinched it. This was concrete evidence which the defence team must have had for some time but was never mentioned! Still, it made for good drama in court.
Wish they'd wind up the Phelan story, I keep worrying about Andy's bathroom facilities in that cellar. And how come Daniel, who has never spoken to Todd, has his phone number?!
By using Hope's cancer for the crowdfunding page,it sounds like Fiz and Beth are committing fraud as people will be donating thinking it's for a cancer charity but the factory girls will be pocketing the money?
Something is not right with that.
Did they use the Victoria Baths for filming the court scenes again do you know?
coconno196 Daniel could have gotten Todd's phone number from Tracy.
Ken's Daniel's dad, not his grandad. Easy to forget, considering he's not that much older than Simon.
Oops! Thanks, slip of the keyboard!
Couldn't disagree with you more, Cucumber. Phelan is the best thing to have happened to Coronation Street in years; absolutely brilliant acting from Connor McIntyre. Although his crimes are sure to catch up with him in the end, I will be most upset when he takes his exit; just hope it's not for some time yet.
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